Chapter 2

• Aurora’s POV
• I froze.
• By the time I regained my senses, the luxury car was already driving away.
• I watched its retreating figure, noticing the large "H" emblem on the back.
• Even though I didn't get out much, I knew who it belonged to.
• Running the world’s largest company, controlling the economic lifeline of our Country, with a vast range of industries from technology, culture, and entertainment to casinos, clubs, and various black-market operations.
• This is the most powerful and authoritative mafia family in Los Angeles—the Herald family.
• Today has already been a terrible day, and nearly getting hit by the Herald family's car isn't something I paid much attention to.
• Distracted, I returned home to find my father, who seemed to have just finished a phone call.
• When he turned and saw me, he angrily threw his phone at me.
• The phone hit my forehead, leaving a large bump.
• "You shameless woman! Whose child is in your belly?!"
• I hadn't yet recovered from the shock and pain when my father's words plunged me further into despair.
• "I thought we could use your child to connect with the Liam’s family, but you’re carrying a bastard! You’ve brought shame to the Wayne family. Get out!" He started looking around for something else to throw at me.
• "Darling, calm down." My mother came down the stairs, walking directly to my father’s side.
• "Scarlett called and told me that the Liam will still have an alliance with us, but the bride will be Scarlett."
• Hearing my mother’s words, my father’s expression slightly softened.
• "Scarlett is always our pride, while Aurora is just a waste..."
• Before he could finish, a commotion erupted outside, followed by the sound of something heavy falling.
• Then, the door was kicked open, and several men in black suits stormed in.
• My father's face turned ashen when he saw the leader. He trembled, shielding my mother behind him, trying to remain calm.
• "Mr. Soprano, why are you here?"
• One man shouted, while another slowly approached my father. One of his subordinates quickly pulled a chair for him.
• The leader was tall, with long, unkempt black hair falling to his shoulders.
• When he lifted his head, I noticed a huge, menacing scar on his forehead that extended to his left cheek.
• Mr. Soprano lounged in the chair, pulling out a small knife, tapping it rhythmically against his leg.
• "Mr. Wayne, obviously you messed up. A week has already passed."
• He waved the knife, the bright light reflecting off the blade onto my father's face, causing him to shudder.
• "Mr. Soprano, please, give us a few more days. I will repay the money..."
• "Sorry, buddy, the boss told us to take care of you. No one can save you now."
• Mr. Soprano sneered, motioning to his men, who advanced to punish my father.
• I tried to stay silent, knowing it would be unwise to speak up now.
• "Excuse me!"
• Two people entered from outside: my ex-fiancé Liam and Scarlett.
• Liam seemed to see such a scene for the first time, was momentarily stunned and regretful but tried to remain composed as he approached them.
• "Gentlemen, is there some misunderstanding here?"
• Mr. Sopran raised his thick, dark eyebrows and looked at Liam as if he had just noticed him.
• "Listen, young man. This old man owes our boss money and isn't ready to repay it... so I'm here to kill him."
• His tone was as casual as if he were discussing the weather.
• "How much does he owe you... I can pay it back," Liam stammered.
• At his words, the room erupted in laughter again.
• Mr. Sopran also laughed.
• "He borrowed at twenty percent interest. Now he owes our boss a million dollars..."
• When Liam heard this, his jaw nearly dropped.
• A million dollars wasn't a small amount. Liam began to hesitate, and Scarlett, sensing the danger, became increasingly anxious.
• "Sir, there must be another way, right? Please... we can negotiate," Scarlett pleaded.
• Mr. Sopran's gaze lingered on Scarlett, and a sinister smile spread across his face.
• "There indeed be a way. Our boss has a big deal that hasn't been completed yet. If your family can help him, maybe he'll spare your father."
• They burst into lewd laughter.
• Scarlett sensed something was wrong and quickly hid behind Liam.
• "The client wants someone young and healthy, but the last ones our boss sent over didn't last more than a month," Mr. Sopran muttered, cursing under his breath, "Damn, the young ones can't handle it."
• Then he looked up at Scarlett, "But I see your family have someone suitable. If your father help our boss with this deal, maybe your old man won't have to die."
• Mr. Sopran walked over to my father, grabbing his face and forcing him to look into his eyes.
• "What do you think, Mr. Wayne?" he asked, emphasizing each word, his knife tracing my father's neck.
• My father began to tremble, tears in his eyes.
• "Mr. Sopran, please...please..." he pleaded, his voice breaking.
• Hiding behind Liam, Scarlett quickly grew desperate. "No! I don't want to be took! Daddy! Mommy! Save me!"
• I watched quietly from the corner as my mother began to fret, her fear manifesting in soft sobs.
• As their voices filled the room, Mr. Sopran grew impatient and annoyed.
• "Shut up! Who said I wanted her?"
• His words silenced everyone. My father hesitantly asked,
• "Not... not Scarlett? Then who?"
• Mr. Sopran's face bore a tantalizing smirk as he slowly turned, his eagle-like gaze piercing through me.
• My heart skipped a beat, suddenly drained of all strength.
• "Forgot to mention, our boss's clients not only prefer fit, young bodies... but they also..."
• His gaze bore down on me.
• "They particularly like pregnant women.”